At the end of the table he perceived the glitter of some mechanical appliances.
Howard led him along the end gallery until they were opposite this mighty labouring figure.

Then he stopped.

The two men in red who had followed them into the gallery came and stood on either hand of Graham.
"You must remain here," murmured Howard, "for a few moments," and, without waiting for a reply, hurried away along the gallery.
"But, _why_-- ?" began Graham.
He moved as if to follow Howard, and found his path obstructed by one of the men in red.

"You have to wait here, Sire," said the man in red.
"_Why_ ?" "Orders, Sire." "Whose orders ?" "Our orders, Sire." Graham looked his exasperation.
"What place is this ?" he said presently.

"Who are those men ?" "They are the lords of the Council, Sire." "What Council ?" "_The_ Council." "Oh!" said Graham, and after an equally ineffectual attempt at the other man, went to the railing and stared at the distant men in white, who stood watching him and whispering together.
The Council?
He perceived there were now eight, though how the newcomer had arrived he had not observed.